Torres Central Climb, Torres del Paine

Waterfalls and rivers, Magellanic sub-polar forests, pampas, mountains covered with permanent ice, granite peaks, meadows and glacier fed lakes await the outdoor adventurers to discover the wild and unique nature of Patagonia. The world wide known Towers, or else called Torres, are three incredible granite spikes.

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Among these, the highest of all stands at 9514ft/2900m high, being part of the Cordillera del Paine. In order to approach the Towers, there are minibuses at Laguna Amarga Keeper Post, that will take you to Estancia Paine from where you can start your hike. The trail will take you to the base of Torres del Paine East face. Ice climbing the highest central tower is a once in a lifetime experience. There is a number of routes to follow, from all sides of the granite wall. The East face has eleven routes- one of them called “Riders on the Storm.

The West face has three, the North face has one, being the first one that has been ever climbed and the South face has two routes. There are endless cracks in some sections of this vertical rock and many more routes yet to be discovered. Once you reach the top, the view of the nature around you is overwhelming with outstanding ecosystems, different landscapes and rare flora and fauna, found nowhere else on the planet.

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In every step you take, the views of this dramatic land take your breath away. The best time for ice climbing on Torres del Paine is between November and February. Be very well prepared in regards with gear, food and clothing because the weather is changeable and unpredictable with high winds, rain showers, snow and everything else you may think of. Wind proof layers are the key.